March 31 each year is International Transgender Day of Visibility, which honours transgender individuals, spreads awareness about the discrimination they encounter globally, and acknowledges their positive impact on society.
Why is visibility so important?
Visibility can provide much-needed role models. The importance of this is beautifully illustrated by this touching photo of a toddler in a wheelchair in a department store, who stopped to gaze in awe at a poster of an older boy also in a wheelchair. His mother took the picture as she realised it was the first time he had encountered such a positive representation of someone just like himself.
You can find the full story here.
If you never encounter people like yourself, it’s all too easy to believe that achieving what others achieve is beyond reach. Yet, when you witness someone who shares your identity accomplishing feats, it awakens the possibility that you can do the same. Without belief in this possibility, how can one strive to make it a reality?
More important now than ever!
Currently, there’s an overwhelming amount of negativity directed towards trans people, evident in news coverage and amplified by countless hostile reactions in social media. For a community already grappling with significant mental health challenges, the negativity and hate can be harmful and dangerous. Thus, it’s now more important than ever for trans people to have positive role models and to see that they have supportive allies. Transgender Day of Visibility does just this!
Shouldn’t we show allyship all year round, not just on a single day?
Of course we can show allyship all year round, but days such as Transgender Day of Visibility give an excellent opportunity for your organisation to arrange an event or host a speaker. You really could profoundly impact someone’s life for the better.
Facts and Background of Trans Day of Visibility:
The Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is observed every year on March 31, with the purpose of celebrating transgender people, raising awareness of the discrimination they continue to face, and acknowledging their incredible contributions to society. This important day was founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall, following her desire to create an occasion dedicated to joy and pride for trans people, in contrast to the solemnity of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is devoted to those lost to violence. Crandall felt that the visibility and positive recognition of living trans individuals was lacking, and so she decided to take action and create a day for celebration, solidarity, and education.
Since its foundation, Trans Day of Visibility has grown to become a global celebration, recognized by LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, governments, and communities around the world. The date was chosen to avoid conflict with other important events such as Transgender Day of Remembrance in November and Pride Month in June, giving the trans community a day solely focused on their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Over the years, the event has expanded to incorporate rallies, festivals, art displays, educational panels, and social media campaigns. Many participants share their stories, post selfies, and highlight statistics that help shed light on the reality of transgender lives.
One of the unique aspects of TDOV is that it encourages trans people who feel safe enough to share their truth, but it also acknowledges that not everyone can be visible. It is important to note that for many, visibility can mean increased risk of discrimination, violence, and exclusion. The day aims not only to honor those who are proud to live openly, but also to support people who are unable or unwilling to come out for their own safety. The message at its core is about promoting understanding, fighting ignorance, and creating a world where acceptance is the norm.
The origins of transgender visibility go back much earlier than 2009, with activists in the 1990s already advocating for greater recognition and rights for transgender individuals. The murder of Rita Hester in 1998 played a major role in shaping how visibility and remembrance are approached within the community, leading to the establishment of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Trans Day of Visibility, however, is dedicated to the living, to their achievements, and the progress still to be made.
Official recognition of TDOV has increased, with recent U.S. presidents issuing proclamations and major landmarks being illuminated in the colors of the transgender pride flag—light blue, light pink, and white. Companies, universities, and community organizations now routinely run awareness campaigns and educational programs on this day, fostering a stronger sense of inclusion and support for trans people.
For more information on booking Matt Ellison as a speaker, visit his page or get in touch with us directly at joanne@psspeakers.com or +353(0)1 475 0360
